Grissom Junior High science teacher Ron Knop posed a challenge to some of his 8th graders: Find a problem and figure out how to solve it.
One group of 8th graders chose a problem close to home. There’s no organized recycling program at Grissom or at other District 140 schools. Since shortly before Christmas break, they’ve been working on ways to change that.
The impetus for finding the problem and solving it came from the Illinois Student Initiative Network (I-SPIN) grant received by the district last year. The grant brought $5,000 worth of equipment, including a color printer and digital camera, to several Grissom classrooms, including Knop’s.
Knop chose a group of students in his classroom, posed his challenge and invited them to use the equipment as they worked on their problem.
The students chose recycling because it’s “something important.”
“We recycle at home,” said Kristin McMahon.
“We wanted to do it because it affects the environment,” said Nicole Burgert.
In addition to Nicole and Kristin, Kim Castro, Jill Clock, Sarah Compton, Sally Craig, Molly Desmond, Kristen Farrell, John Feaster, Kerry Fitzgerald, Christy Fuchs, Megan Ignatowicz, Billy Koehler, T.J. Lode, Kristin McCarthy, Erin O’Meara, Nicole Reynolds, Katie Ruikis, Liana Shapiro, Sharon Siamis, Veronica Stewart and Leyna Thomas are I-SPIN committee members.
Recycling has previously been done on a limited basis at the school. Last year, the science club held a paper recycling drive, and students were very responsive, Nicole said.
The committee’s goal is to have a recycling program in place by the end of the school year so next year’s 8th graders can take it over.
“We’re doing more than we thought we would,” Sarah said.
The committee has split into six groups, each of which has a task. The fundraising group is putting together candy sales. The survey group has composed a recycling survey ready to be mailed to schools and businesses in the area. The Internet group is researching how other schools recycle and the e-mail group is composing an e-mail list for the surveys.
Committee members are also calling private recycling concerns, hoping that a pickup or program can be arranged through them. So far, they’ve been unsuccessful.
“I’m disappointed that companies haven’t been more cooperative,” Knop said.
